Part of a continuous design series, the Rustic Stools by Mark Laban have evolved through various iterations. Drawing inspiration from the concept of wabi-sabi which champions a worldview focused on the acceptance of transience and imperfection, Laban took his design cues from the rustic nature of traditional Japanese teahouse architecture. While the stools are his interpretation of a traditional structure, the manufacturing process is more cutting-edge innovation. Laban uses a 3-axis CNC router and works hands-on with the machine experimenting with the artificially generated rough textures. During the production process, Laban experiments with the software as a way to get unexpected textures and surface patterns, instead of the smooth results that CNC technology is known for.

"I discovered that by manipulating variables within the parameters of the CAM software I could produce interesting distortions that are conventionally imperfect or incomplete, like the rough patterned textures."

- Mark Laban

This latest versions of his design are constructed out of yellow Valchromat - a high density fibre material made with organically dyed wooden fibres that are bonded in resin. The rough bark-like surfaces reference the nature of the material in its raw form while giving the finished product a visually enticing texture. Once the milling is completed, the parts are sanded, the joint details completed manually and the piece assembled.